If you notice yellow patches on your lawn, you might have large patch fungus or brown patch fungus. As we approach the cooler months of the year, South Florida homeowners often fall victim to these types of fungi due to the combination of overnight lows and daytime humidity.
The fungus thrives in the cooler months when the soil is wet and the temperature is anywhere below 70 degrees. These weather conditions cause the lawn to stay moist in the morning and in some cases, early afternoon, which helps the fungus spread to the grass’ root.
These fungi are particularly stimulated by the following:
- Overwatering
- Over-fertilization in the fall
- Locations with poor drainage
- Over-irrigation
- Low mowing height
From November to April, keep an eye out for yellow spots or brown patches on your lawn. If you see the signs of large patch or brown patch fungus, here’s what you can do to prevent it from spreading.
Step 1. Check to See if You’re Over Watering the Area
Large patch and brown patch fungus are usually caused by excess humidity, which makes South Florida lawns particularly susceptible to these types of fungi. The first thing you should do when you start to see yellow spots on your lawn is to make sure you’re not over watering the area.
Overwatering adds more humidity to your lawn and makes your grass more vulnerable to these types of fungi.
Step 2. Only Water Your Lawn As Needed
Of course in the winter months, your lawn still needs watering. The important key here is to make sure that you’re not overdoing it. Water your lawn when your lawn asks for it.
What does that mean? Signs that your lawn needs water may include the grass folding in or turning a blue-ish gray color. Try watering your lawn twice a week. If the yellow spots continue, go down to once a week. Also, don’t forget to water for enough time for soil saturation (anywhere from 20-30 minutes per zone).
Step 3. If the Yellow or Brown Spots Keep Spreading, Apply Fungicide
At One Two Tree, our goal is to help you protect your lawn from fungus and pests. If the fungus continues to spread, it’s time to apply fungicide to prevent it from taking over your entire lawn.
Let One Two Tree Help You With Brown Patch Fungus!
Fungicide doesn’t kill the fungus but puts it in the dormant stage until weather conditions cause it to flare up again. By applying fungicide, you’re preventatively stopping the spreading cycle so that you can get a handle on your water schedule before the temperature drops.
Get rid of those brown lawn patches for good with One Two Tree.
For a free quote, give us a call today.
